Business Over Breakfast to Feature Wyoming Whiskey

The Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce will present Business Over Breakfast on Thursday, December 6 from 7:30-9:00am at the Wort Hotel, 50 North Glenwood. Business Over Breakfast is a monthly meeting for the business community. The event includes breakfast and time for networking and announcements. 

Featured Speakers 

• Tim Harland and David DeFazio, Wyoming Whiskey: After many years in the making Wyoming Whiskey will be released on 12.1.12. Learn about this Wyoming made venture and what it means to the community of Jackson Hole. For more information, please visit  www.wyomingwhiskey.com.
• Stephen Williams and Claire Fuller, Jackson Hole Marketplace: Keep your bucks in Jackson Hole! Our community understands the benefits of shopping in local businesses. What does it mean to purchase locally-made products? Learn how this website can help our neighbors make a living to live in Jackson. Find out how to get your products listed and get great gift ideas from Jackson for the holidays! Look for www.jhmarketplace.com coming soon!
• Andy Pearson, Jackson Hole Police Department: In a small town like Jackson Hole, it's important to remember that the police department is a critical partner for the business community. Perhaps you have had a broken window overnight or a shoplifting incident during business hours. Learn about the resources provided by the Jackson Hole Police Department that can help you be a good neighbor. 

RSVP by noon on Tuesday, December 4 to events@jacksonholechamber.com or 307.733.3316. Breakfast costs $16 for Chamber Members and $25 for future Members. RSVP and pre-pay online via ChamberMaster!  Click here!

From the Desk of Kent Elliott, Destination Sales Manager

I trust everyone had a nice Thanksgiving with friends and family. Now that Black Friday is over, we can all get into the spirit of the holidays.

I just returned from London where I attended the World Travel Mart. I met with many Operators who currently bring business to our area as well as many Operators who are considering our area for their clients. Many of their clients come during the summer months, but many more prefer to visit in the early spring and fall because they understand that the National Parks are a less crowded during those times. One popular question was, "Are the shops still open?" The question reinforces the idea that our our guests come to see the natural beauty of our area and that they are also  concerned about the overall experience.  

I am busy planning my travel this coming January. With the support of the Lodging Tax, I will be representing our community and meeting with more potential companies that can bring business to our area. What can you do to help me represent our community? If you are doing anything new, different, or unique please let me know and I will add it to my "What's New List" to share with the world.

Until next time, happy holidays to everyone and I hope to see you at this Thursday's Chamber Mixer at the Wort Hotel.

For more information, please contact Kent Elliott, Destination Sales Manager, kent@jacksonholechamber.com or 307.733.3316x106.

Howdy Pardner Ambassador Club Ski Pass Auction This Friday on KZ95

Howdy Pardners Ambassador Club, the hospitality arm of the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce, has a unique opportunity!

The group will auction a 15-day ski pass for Jackson Hole Mountain Resort on Friday, November 30 on KZ 95 starting at 7:00am. Tune in and place your bid for this great ski pass with a retail value of $1,260.00.

The next meeting of the Ambassador Club will be Tuesday, December 4 at 6:30pm at the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce Administrative Offices on Center Street. Everyone is welcome to attend the meeting to learn about the club, the winter airport program, the upcoming Chamber Mixer, and more! Pizza will be served during the meeting.

For more information, please contact Oly Olson, Howdy Pardner Ambassador Club President, olyolson@jhrea.com or 307.733.3316. The Howdy Pardner High Noon Chili Cook-Off is pictured.  

Food Safety: Keep Your Customers Safe and Your Business in Compliance

 Wyoming Entrepreneur SBDC and the U.S. Small Business Administration will present a 1-2-3 Webinar on Thursday, December 6 from 2:00-3:00pm to share information about food safety.

Kevin Krouch, CP-FS, Inspection Specialist with the Wyoming Department of Agriculture, Consumer Health Services will provide insight, resources and information about common mistakes that can easily be avoided by your food-centric business. This webinar is offered at no cost. Pre-registration is required. Click here: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/895006632.

Historic Wort Hotel to Host Holiday Chamber Mixer

The Historic Wort Hotel will host a holiday Chamber Mixer on Thursday, November 29 from 5:00-7:00pm at 50 North Glenwood.

Celebrate the holiday season with the 2nd Annual Lighting of Glenwood along with a preview of the Wort Hotel's 12 Days of Christmas. Enjoy traditional Christmas carolers, a visit from Santa, raffle prizes, and more surprises! The lighting will be held at 6:15pm. The Mixer will include drinks and appetizers that will highlight the restaurant's recent remodel. The new look includes a custom wine storage cabinet to showcase and expanded wine list. For more information about the Historic Wort Hotel, please visit www.worthotel.com. 

Travel & Tourism Board: Did You Know?

The Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce Destination Sales and Marketing Committee is proud to have worked with the Jackson Hole Travel & Tourism Board to secure funding to attend Travel Trade Shows on behalf of the community in 2012-13. The target audiences include Group Business, Individual Incentive Programs, International Business, Tour Operators, Consumers, and Tour Bus Businesses. As tourism is increased, all businesses and the community can benefit economically. Kent Elliott, Destination Sales Manager with the Chamber, recently returned from London where he promoted Jackson Hole at WTM (World Travel Mart) November 5-8, 2012. There are opportunities to get involved with upcoming shows. Contact Kent, kent@jacksonholechamber.com or 307.733.3316x106.

 

For more information about the Jackson Hole Travel & Tourism Board, please visit www.tetonwyo.org/travel or contact Kate Sollitt, lodgingtax@tetonwyo.org or 307.201.1774.  

Jackson Hole Winter Wonderland

The Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Jackson Hole Winter Wonderland, a weekend of holiday shopping and cheer, which will be held Friday, December 7 and Saturday, December 8. A weekend to share with family and friends, experience the unique shopping within Teton County. One of the highlights will be the Dancers' Workshop production of "If the Shoe Fits,” an original adaptation of Cinderella, at Jackson Hole Center for the Arts.

Local shops will feature a magical holiday atmosphere and extended hours, until at least 8:00pm, just in time to shop for Christmas! Enjoy caroling, sleigh rides, cider, hot chocolate, and cookies in the glow of festive Christmas lighting. Chamber Members, what are your hours? Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce staff have been canvasing business throughout the valley this week so a list of participating businesses can be compiled and promoted to holiday shoppers.

For more information and to submit your hours, please contact the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce Business Development Committee, Rick Howe, Representative, rick@jacksonholechamber.com or 307.733.3316x114. 

2012 Event Features Special Partnership with Small Business Saturday!

The Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present the annual Town Square Lighting Ceremony on Friday, November 23, 2012 from 5:00-7:00pm on Jackson’s Town Square. This favorite holiday event features a visit from Santa Claus along with holiday music and Christmas carols from the Jackson Hole Community Band and Jackson Hole Chorale. Albertson’s and McDonald’s will provide cookies, hot chocolate, and coffee. Two hundred attendees at Town Square Lighting will have the chance to receive an American Express Gift Card worth $25 to be spent at local businesses on Small Business Saturday, November 24! Thousands of LED bulbs will be wrapped around the famous elk antler arches and strung around the stately trees. The lighting of the Town Square is a breathtaking moment as the bulbs sparkle to life. Children and families delight at the arrival of Santa Claus who enters with a team of sled dogs from Jackson Hole Iditarod. A special group of volunteers from Dancers’ Workshop will be assisting Santa and the children hoping to visit with him and Teton Literacy Center will provide free books to children of all ages. Would you like to be an elf? Sign up to volunteer! Take an hour to help hand out cookies, cocoa, and to help Santa! Families and friends are encouraged to participate together. Email Maureen for details, mo@jacksonholechamber.com. The Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce is proud to participate in Small Business Saturday sponsored by American Express Travel Related Services Company. Rules to Obtain an American Express, Small Business Saturday Gift Card: Limit (one card) per family please. You must be 18 years or older to receive the gift card. Must attempt to spend the card at any business within Teton County between November 23 and 25, 2012. Please notify the business you were part of the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce & American Express “Small Business Saturday.” Email address, phone number, and signature will be required to obtain the card. This is for verification only, not marketing. Recipients must be present at the Town Square Lighting Ceremony, Friday November 23 at 5:00pm. All cards will be issued that evening beginning at 5:00pm. The website, shopsmall.com, sates: "Between Black Friday and Cyber Monday is a day dedicated to supporting small businesses nationwide. Last year, over one hundred million people came together to Shop Small in their communities on Small Business Saturday." For more information about Small Business Saturday, please contact Rick Howe, Director of Visitor Services, rick@jacksonholechamber.com or 307.733.3316x114. For more information about Town Square Lighting, please contact Maureen Murphy, Director of Special Events, mo@jacksonholechamber.com or 307.733.3316x102.

A Chili Night Out: Warm Up to History

Please join the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce for "A Chili Night Out" Chamber Mixer co-hosted by the Jackson Hole Historical Society and Museum and Our Town Media. The event will be held on Thursday, November 8 from 5:00-7:00 pm at the Museum, 225 North Cache.

Attend this Chamber Mixer and enjoy hot chili with all the fixings, cold beer, wine, free entry to the museum exhibits, and fabulous prizes! Attendees will enhance their knowledge of Jackson Hole history while earning entries into $100.00 CASH drawings by Our Town Media's Jackson Phone Directory. In addition to the $100 CASH prize, other prizes will be awarded.

For more information about the Jackson Hole Historical Society and Museum, please visit www.jacksonholehistory.org.

Chamber Mixers are informal networking opportunities for Chamber Members and the general public to meet, network, and socialize. For more information about Chamber Mixers, please contact Katie Wolitarsky, Special Events Coordinator, events@jacksonholechamber.com or 307.733.3316.

 

Golden Spur Presented to Tyler Benz of Homewood Suites by Hilton Jackson Hole

The Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce Membership Committee is pleased to announce that the Golden Spur, formerly known as the Western Hospitality Award, will be presented to Tyler Benz of Homewood Suites by Hilton Jackson Hole.

Joe Madera, General Manager of Homewood Suites by Hilton Jackson Hole, relayed a story that especially impressed the Membership Committee. Recently, a guest forgot his briefcase at the hotel on his way to an early flight. When Tyler discovered the briefcase, he immediately picked up the phone and called the number on the reservation. The guest had already landed in Denver, but Tyler didn’t stop there! He quickly made arrangements with a sister property at the guest’s final destination in St. Louis. The briefcase (with the guest’s car keys) was delivered safe and sound to the Hilton St. Louis Airport!  Joe concluded, “Tyler has been with us since May and has been an amazing addition to our team. He is always professional, courteous and attentive to all our guest needs.”

Tyler will receive a prize package of gifts from supporters of exceptional customer service in Jackson Hole – The Blue Lion, Harmonic Spa, Judge Roy Bean’s Old Time Photos, the Homewood Suites by Hilton or Lexington Inn & Suites, Jackson Bootlegger, and MADE. The Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce thanks our sponsors.

For more information or to make a nomination for the Western Hospitality Award, please contact Kate Foster, Communications Manager, kate@jacksonholechamber.com or 307.733.3316x104.

About the Golden Spur: Jackson Hole is one of the top vacation destinations in the United States and our community thrives on the business that is brought to the valley throughout the year. The Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce Membership Committee created the Western Hospitality Award to recognize exceptional Jackson Hole area employees and to increase awareness of the importance of great customer service. Businesses that have a reputation for great service may increase their profits by developing loyal customers out of locals and tourists. The Western Hospitality Award is now the Golden Spur.  For more information, please visit http://www.jacksonholechamber.com/initiatives/western_hospitality.php.